It is with heavy hearts that the police department and K-9 handler Jeff Urkevich announce the death of Officer Urkevich's partner, Zito. On Wednesday afternoon, February 1st at about 2:15 P.M., Zito was in the backyard of his home where he lives with Officer Urkevich. Zito jumped a four foot concrete fence leaving his yard and was struck by a vehicle on 27th Street just south of Highway 2.

Zito was a five year old German Shepherd who came to LPD from the Czech Republic. Zito joined the force in June of 2003 and trained with Officer Urkevich until they began working the streets together in October of 2003. Zito was trained in building, evidence and narcotic searches as well as tracking and handler protection.

In the short time Zito was on the department he and Officer Urkevich responded to 115
K-9 calls. Of those calls there were 30 narcotic searches, 14 building searches, 11 other searches, and 60 tracks. Out of the 60 tracks, they located 14 people for a total of 48
misdemeanor cases, and 23 felony cases cleared.

Although the driver of the car that hit Zito did not stop, Officer Urkevich was assisted by two good Samaritans after Zito was hit and drove them to the veterinary clinic but Zito died while enroute. These Samaritans did not leave their names with the officer but the department wishes to thank them for their assistance.